Defender's international target
Paul Scharner is hoping to revive his international career this season.
The Latics defender was overlooked for Euro 2008 after meeting coach Josef Hickersberger before the tournament to try and patch up their differences.
Scharner quit international football in 2006.
But Hickersberger has now departed and the 12-cap veteran is now eyeing a return to the big stage.
He said: "I heard after the Euros that the door is open."
Asked if he thought he would play for his country this year, the 28-year-old replied: "I'm expecting it."
The fans' favourite admits he grew frustrated watching Austria in Euro 2008 without being involved. He added: "It was difficult watching the games. During the first game, I went out into the garden and played with my boys!"
Scharner used his time off wisely, deciding to undergo surgery on his nose to free up the passage to allow him to breathe properly.
And he expects Latics fans to see the benefit of the operation out on the pitch.
He said: "It's a new lease of life for me. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all.
"I can't remember when I ever could. I had a big summer break and the first half was tough, because I couldn't move at all. It was hard — I don't like to do nothing!
"But then I had a couple of days in the mountains to build my body up and you can feel a difference in getting oxygen into the body. It took a while to get used to."
Scharner has turned tour guide for Latics' pre-season training camp, showing his team-mates around his homeland during their 10 day stay.
They jetted out yesterday (Wednesday) and will play three matches during their tour.
"It's beautiful over there," said Scharner.
"It's far away from my home village, about four hour drive, but my father and grandfather are watching our last game."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
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